Agility is an athletic event that requires conditioning, concentration, training, and teamwork. Dogs and handlers must negotiate an obstacle course while racing against the clock. Agility is a great form of exercise for both dog and handler, and a fun way to bond. And you don’t have to compete to enjoy agility. Taking an agility class offers many other benefits. But many people start the sport just for fun, only to get bitten by the agility bug and become lifelong competitors!
All agility classes are taught outside on our regulation-sized agility field October – May. Summer classes starting mid-June through September are taught inside our air-conditioned building on mats.
PLEASE READ DESCRIPTIONS CAREFULLY – IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHAT CLASS IS APPROPRIATE PLEASE USE THE CLUB CONTACT FORM TO ASK YOUR QUESTION.
Summer Indoor Agility Classes
Agility classes are held indoors on Wednesdays, late afternoons and evenings, June through September.
Crate Games (The Basics and Beyond)
Description
A must have training element for creating Control and Passion in performance venues and all life situations. Behaviors taught in this workshop format class will create a more operant companion whether you are seeking more impulse control or drive. Highly motivating games you can train in any environment where your dog is crated. Can even reduce behavioral issues such as barking or anxiety in crate in general. Many skills needed in agility can be reinforced with crate games; even a start line or drive over contacts. All participants will receive handouts outlining a summary of crate games and complete list of the benefits (skills) that can transfer into overall performance improvement. As your instructor, I’d like to add, I’ve personally attended multiple sessions from Susan Garrett (and her various skilled trainers,) learning all the components of Crate Games. Susan Garrett is the creator of “Crate Games.” I’ve witnessed how a behavior can be transformed by following a step by step approach.
Note:
This short class is suitable for dogs particpating in any sport that requires waiting in crates. This is a two-session class, each session is 2 hours. Participants commit to attending BOTH sessions.
Prerequisites
Some knowledge of “shaping” a behavior is helpful.
Suitable for any aged canine or skill level. Puppies should be comfortable on leash and collar. Dogs who are aggressive towards people or other dogs are not permitted to attend. This is a two part training clinic. Participants should work on the skills presented in the first class in order to enhance experience building the skills in second class.
What to Bring:
Crates best suited for this session are hard crates. Crates with a front gate enclosure. (Airline crates or wire crates) All crates must have a mat or blanket underneath to protect the floor from potential wear. Soft crates are not suitable for precise application of Crate Games.
| Details | Click Button to Register |
|---|---|
| Crate Games (The Basics and Beyond) Wednesdays 5:00-7:00 pm 9/23-30/2026 $70 Leslie Granville-Smith | Registration Unavailable |
Fall and Winter
Outdoor Agility Classes Begin October 1
| Class Name and Description | Prerequisites and Participant Requirements: | What to Bring |
|---|---|---|
| AG FUNdamentals for Agility (LEVEL 1) For students/dogs who are new to the sport or need a refresher in basic foundation skills to build on. | Highly recommended to have completed any canine enrichment classes. This would be several levels of basic obedience, STAR Puppy, CGC, Tricks class, and the new FIT class is helpful. Teams with previous class experience in various obedience and/or FIT training will catch on quickly to skills preparing your dog to excel in the sport of agility. Teamwork, good behavior, and the ability to learn new skills are the foundation for a great agility experience moving on to various skill levels. Ability to work around other dogs and people without aggression. This semester is mostly on leash, but more can be accomplished if multiple teams can work on the field. A good recall is very helpful as well as operant behavior skills. (Willing to learn and offer new behaviors) | Crates are mandatory for any agility class. Dogs must be leashed or crated at all times when not working. Please bring treats and any toys your dog may love to play with and interact with you. Treats should not be crumbling apart while feeding or greasy. Crumbly treats falling into grass are distracting to other participants. Greasy treats leave a scent on your hands and anything you touch. Water is essential for hydration for you and your dog. A few props will be introduced in class you will need to use at home to practice certain behaviors. They should be brought to every class after we discuss them. This would be a simple plastic lid you can hold in the palm of your hand, and other types of “targets.” There are limitless types of toys that may help with your training as well. We will discuss this in class as to what type of toy and when to use them. |
| AG Agility Beginner Sequencing Dogs will begin handling short sequences of 3-6 obstacles while incorporating one handling skill. Continue to build focus, drive, and independent obstacle performance using positive rewards of toy play and food. Continue foundation training for contact equipment. Weaves optional. | Agility Foundation. Dog should be familiar with equipment. Suitable for young dogs not competing, or older dogs just learning agility. | Crate, water and bowl, soft dog treats that don’t crumble, toys that motivate and are fun for your dog. |
| AG Competitive Novice/Open Agility In this class dogs and handlers will be working on effective communication/navigation skills between obstacles. You will learn which turning cue works best for you as a team between obstacles. Also why and where to use specific turning cues which includes working on your timing and staying connected while in motion. We will have short sequences for drills, and coursework which will include all obstacles. | Students must have previous experience running full courses and negotiation contacts and weaves. This class is best suited for teams preparing for competition or already competing at Novice/Open level. Dogs should be familiar with all obstacles. Handlers must have knowledge of basic handling skills. | See below: Requirements for All Agility Classes |
| AG Agility Master Level Dogs should be competing at this level. Includes all obstacles. Focus on course analysis. Advance handling skills may include Back side jump, In, distance and layering. | Dogs who are competing at AKC Master or equivalent level. Continue to develop more advanced handling skills and Independent obstacle performance. | Crate, water bowl, soft dog treats that don’t crumble, toys that motivate and are fun for your dog. |
| AG Advanced/Master’s Skills and Coursework This class is best suited for teams already competing. We will be fine tuning handling skills and various options as they apply to course challenges. Emphasis will be on navigating full courses as well as addressing sections of each course to address any issues with handling options, timing, and learning new skills in order to excel in competition. | Students should have previous experience running full courses with various types of turns, discriminations, and a willingness to try new techniques. Keep an open mind and be respectful of others who may struggle and require additional help. Encouraging and supporting classmates is also important. | See below: Requirements for All Agility Classes |
| AG Low Impact Agility A series of obstacles will be set up for your dog to negotiate at a lower height for less impact and to perform simple challenges. Non agility obstacles may be added for fitness purposes. | Basic obedience is a plus. Any dog who gets loose and doesn’t recall will be excused, but can redo the course after the next dog. The more runs we can get in, the more fun! Dogs who are easily distracted should run on leash. | Crate, chair, treats/toys, water, and minimum 6 ft. leash if running ON leash. If all the dogs are non aggressive and well behaved on leash, we can limit time in the crate. |
Class Schedule
| Class Name | When/Instructor | Click Button to Register |
|---|---|---|
| AG Agility Beginner Sequencing (9438) | Wednesday 8:30-9:45 am 11/11-12/2/2026 Janet Jenkins | REGISTER HERE |
| AG Agility Master Level (9440) | Wednesday 10-11:15 am 11/11-12/2/2026 Janet Jenkins | REGISTER HERE |
| AG Competitive Novice/Open Agility (9441) | Wednesday 5:00-6:15 pm 10/7-11/11/26 Leslie Granville-Smith | REGISTER HERE |
| AG Advanced-Master’s Coursework (9444) | Wednesday 6:30-7:45 pm 10/7-11/11/26 Leslie Granville-Smith | REGISTER HERE |
| AG FUNdamentals for Agility (LEVEL 1) (9445) | Thursdays 5:00 – 6:15 pm Note time change 10/8-11/12/2026 Note Date Change Leslie Granville-Smith | REGISTER HERE |
| AG Low Impact Agility (9446) | Thursdays 6:30-7:45 pm 10/8-11/12/2026 Note Date Change Leslie Granville-Smith | REGISTER HERE |